University of the Third Age Brisbane

University of the Third Age Brisbane

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find what classes are on?
Details of classes are all easily searchable online. There is also a Class Schedule printed and distributed at the start of each term.

How are the Classes Run?
Tutors and class convenors are members who give their time voluntarily. All classes are conducted during the day and most take place at 232 Adelaide St or 97 Creek St., Brisbane. There are also a large number of classes in Logan District, and throughout the City and suburbs.

When are the Classes Run?
Unless otherwise stated all classes start during the first week of term. It is essential to contact a tutor before joining a class as it may be fully booked. When you attend the first class, please take your membership card.

How do I Join U3A Brisbane?
You can apply with a simple onlineform, and choose to pay online immediately or later by other means. There is a low annual fee of $40 which covers administration costs including insurance. A small charge for rental may be paid for the premises in which the activities take place. At our City Campus venues (Creeks St and Adelaide St) the class fee is $5 per session. Our present Public Liability Insurance cover is $20Million.

When do classes start?
Overall, class term dates coincide with Department of Education dates. Some classes commence on other dates, and these are given specifically in the details for those classes.

Can I enrol in a class without registering on the website?
Yes. Members can enrol online in a selected class by simply providing their surname and current membership number after locating a class of interest via our Class Details page. However, members must be registered on the website to access and use all other membership services.

How do I join a class?
All members wishing to join a class MUST contact the tutor of that class first to book a place.
There are 2 ways to contact the tutor.

You can apply to join a class online.

Search for a class you wish to join using the Class Details menu item in the Public Area.

Search for, then click on the Name of the class chosen and check the details.

To enrol, click the button "Enrol in this class",

Enter your name and membership number.

Or

Contact the tutor directly by phone or email, and advise the tutor of your membership number.

The cost of the class will be explained by the tutor concerned depending on where the class is held and the resources required. These details are also advertised in our quarterly class schedules.

In all cases the tutor must confirm there is a place for you before you attend a class for the first time.

How do I leave a class?
Just follow the same procedure as for enrolment. The system will recognise that you are already enrolled and will give you an option to cancel.

Why is my attendance at each class recorded on a class sheet?Persons present at a U3A Brisbane class, whether tutor or students, whose attendance is not shown on the class sheet may have difficulty in making a claim in respect of any injury they might suffer by attending that class. That is why the Management Committee is insistent on the class sheets being filled out for every class it conducts as part of its duty of care to the U3A Brisbane membership.

What if I have not paid my membership fee yet?
If your membership is current for LAST year, you are allowed to enrol but are reminded:You will need to renew your membership if you wish to attend any class.

What if the Class has no vacancy?
If a Class is full and you are very interested in that subject, it may be worth contacting the tutor and ask to be put on a waiting list.

Why are some classes in the Class Schedule already fully booked?
We publish all classes that are offered, irrespective of whether they are full for the coming term. A common reason for a class being full is that members who could not be accommodated in last term were placed on the waiting list for THIS term by the tutor, and the class limit has now also been exceeded. This is unfortunate but our supply of tutors is not infinite. We think it best that members are aware of all classes offered, even if they can't get into some classes for the next term. If you want to attend such a class, we suggest you contact the tutor concerned and ask to be placed on the waiting list for NEXT Term.

I have registered on the website, but the password I received does not work ?
The password sent to you by automatic email is made up of a random combination of
UPPER CASE letters, lower caseletters and numbers.
Make sure it is typed in exactly as it is received.

Password errors are commonly caused by:

entering letters with the "CAPS LOCK" function turned ON, or

entering numbers by using the numeric keypad with "NUM LOCK" function turned OFF.

When you are correctly logged in, a new menu area titled MEMBER AREA will appear.

Where is U3A-Brisbane located?
Our main office is on the ground floor of 97 Creek Street, Brisbane, between Adelaide and Queen Streets. We also have classrooms around the corner at Level 5, 232 Adelaide St. (next to Anzac Square).

What are the office hours for U3A?
Office Hours are 9:00am to 3:30pm, Monday to Friday, or, during term holidays, 9:00am to 12:00 noon.

How do I get a paper-copy of the class schedule?
The advantage of looking up class details on-line is that the information is always up to date. If you have an email address, a link to a PDF of the class schedule will be emailed to you each term. If you do NOT have email, or prefer the printed version, a printed copy will be posted to you.

What is a "PDF" ?PDF stands for Portable Document Format and is a standard file format used to represent documents in a manner independent of application software, hardware, and/or operating systems. U3A uses the PDF file format when sending documents by email, or when storing documents on the website for down-loading. Software to read PDF files can be downloaded FREE from http://get.adobe.com/reader/

Why can't I read the PDF?
If you are unable to open a PDF file, the usual reason is that the reader software has not been installed on your computer. If you have a PDF reader installed and are still having problems please contact our IT Support team for assistance (see Contacts page).

How is U3A Brisbane managed?

U3A Brisbane is a totally voluntary organisation, including all office workers. The Management Committee is elected annually, and operates under a Constitution which is designed to meet the requirements of U3A. Our Social Committee arranges social events such as day trips, and the Christmas Party.

How do I become a Volunteer Tutor?
Tutors are very important to us, and we would not exist without them. If you have been thinking of becoming a tutor or starting a discussion group, please see our Tutor Information Page.

When does the U3A IT Group meet?
These meetings are held the second Saturday of each month at the U3A Head Office, 97 Creek Street, Brisbane for beginners, newcomers to experienced folk. Our co-ordinator is Helen Carberry. Please contact her by email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for these meetings.

How do I say "thank you" to U3A Brisbane for their support and encourage them to continue?

Why not make a bequest in your will?

Providing centrally located facilities for the holding of affordable classes is an on-going challenge for us.

Any help you can give us towards that goal will not only be greatly appreciated; it will also be serving a high Community purpose in a nation whose population is rapidly ageing. Please use the wording provided on our bequest information sheet.